You’ll find unrivaled peace and serenity at the St. James Hotel in Cimarron, New Mexico. It hasn’t always been that quiet. A community full of frontier history, Cimarron and its vintage Hotel are indelibly marked by the turbulent days of westward expansion in northeast New Mexico.
The saga of the St. James Hotel began in Washington D.C. with the arrival of a Frenchman whose life became intertwined with the people and a place that became known as the Village of Cimarron, New Mexico.
Situated on the Santa Fe Trail, Cimarron’s location attracted a variety of colorful characters in the Old West. From lawmen to outlaws and everyone in between, the fine food and atmosphere at the original St. James Hotel attracted them all.
First built in 1872 by Henry Lambert—President Abraham Lincoln’s personal chef—the establishment began as a saloon and evolved into the St. James Hotel. Many famous people have stayed at the St. James over the years, including Wyatt Earp, Jesse James, Buffalo Bill Cody, Clay Allison, Black Jack Ketchum, Billy the Kid and Thomas James Wright. It is said that some of these spirits still haunt these halls today.
The St. James hotel has retained its haunted appearance, with the creaking staircase and tilted chandeliers. The rooms remain named for those who stayed here during the late 1800’s. Room 18 which is said to be haunted by T.J. Wright will remain intact and un-booked as if he were still rooming there today.
Thomas James Wright last checked into the St James on April 5th, 1882. Story goes he got into a high stakes game with the owner Henri Lambert. He won not only all of Lambert’s money, but some of his cattle and lastly his hotel. On his way back to his room in his new hotel, TJ was shot and killed.
a division of M Realty
420 E Main St
PO Box 570
Red River, New Mexico 87558
800-453-3498
[email protected]
Main Office: 420 E Main St, Red River, NM 87558 | UPS/FEDEX: 420 E Main St, PO Box 570, Red River, NM 87558 | USPS: PO Box 570, Red River, NM 87558
